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CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' SCHOOLS

LaSalle, CBA still discussing merger

Hundreds of parents, students, alumni and teachers from both Christian Brothers Academy in Colonie and LaSalle Institute in Troy gathered at CBA on August 5 for a discussion by the school boards on the possibility of the two boys' schools merging.

This was the second meeting in as many weeks to discuss the idea. While many of those in attendance had definitive opinions, some were hoping to get more information before deciding whether they agree with a possible merger.

"It depends on the details," noted Gary Stiglmeier, whose two sons attend CBA. "I think the merger itself makes sense economically, at least. But we want to hear all the facts."

Report
The schools had hired the Platform Audit Group to assemble a report on both facilities. At the meeting, the group delivered a 25-minute Power Point presentation covering everything from the schools' populations and demographics to travel time and facilities. 

One purpose of the study was to determine which building to use if a merger were to occur. As it turned out, both schools had similar characteristics on every count.

"We're still on a fact-finding mission," said Tim O'Hearn, chairman of CBA's board of trustees. "We have not made a decision, but we are getting closer."

A merger is being considered because of declining enrollment in both schools over the past few years. CBA enrolls approximately 400 students, while LaSalle enrolls approximately 440.

"With declining enrollment comes declining revenue," Mr. O'Hearn explained at the meeting.

The board members said that, while discussions were ongoing, there were four things that they wanted to keep in place should a merger occur: continuing the mission of the Christian Brothers who oversee both schools, remaining single-sex, continuing the schools' military background, and maintaining a high quality of education.

Opinions
For many in attendance, a merger of any kind did not sit well.

"If we were to merge, both schools will lose their identity," argued Sage Masterson, a senior at La Salle. "And what would happen to the faculty and staff? Losing one school would mean losing jobs - and what criteria can you use to determine which teacher stays and who goes?"

Others were disappointed with the lack of communication between the schools and the parents of students.

"We found this process began a year ago," claimed one parent. "We did not hear a word about it."

For Brian Kelley, whose son attends LaSalle, travel was the issue.

"If they move from Troy to Albany, it would hurt," he said. "That would [mean] close to a one-hour bus ride for my son, and it would probably stop me from sending him there."

According to the Platform Audit Group, the drive from LaSalle to CBA would take 20 minutes by car. 

No rivalry
Some people have pointed to CBA and LaSalle as rivals, but Mr. O'Hearn was quick to dispel that theory.

"Aside from athletics, we are not competing with each other," he told the crowd. "The competition is with the suburban schools in the area, not each other."

Still, not many people were convinced.

One parent, an alumnus of Cardinal McCloskey High School, brought up the merger of Cardinal McCloskey and Vincentian Institute in Albany, which became Bishop Maginn High School.

"It was an extraordinarily difficult transition," he said. "When I go to the reunions, the VI people sit with other VI people and McCloskey people sit with McCloskey people."

Whether or not the schools decide to merge, Mr. O'Hearn said that some sort of planning for the schools' futures must take place.

"We can't do nothing," he said. "Something has to be done."

(08/13/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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